World Stage: Belarus with Svetlana Tikhanovskaya

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya found herself the Belarusian opposition leader in 2020 after her husband was jailed for trying to run against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Now in exile, Tikhanovskaya joins Washington Post Live to discuss the current political dynamic in Belarus and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Highlights

“I already see some explanations in media that it was personal opinion of Mr. President… but it was clear message that democratic world will not leave Ukraine one-to-one with this war. They will not abandon them… Russian government can escalate the situation using any statement or even without any statement.” - Svetlana Tikhanovskaya (Video: Washington Post Live)

“I just don’t want even to think about this but in case Ukraine fails in this war, there will be no opportunity for Belarusians to get rid of Lukashenko… Lukashenko will feel much stronger if Russia prevails and we understand it will be region of instability, region of constant threat to European countries but when Ukraine wins, it will be huge opportunity for Belarusians… for the next wave of uprising.” - Svetlana Tikhanovskaya (Video: Washington Post Live)

“At the moment, our country is de facto under military occupation of Russian Federation… If it’s necessary for president of Russia, he could easily make Lukashenko to send Belarusian troops to Ukrainian territory… Belarusian regime is a co-aggressor. However there is a huge opposition to war among ordinary Belarusians, amongst supporters of changes and even the military… The Belarus army refuses to go to Ukraine despite pressure and threats. Two weeks ago the Belarus army was supposed to join Russian troops but something went wrong.” - Svetlana Tikhanovskaya (Video: Washington Post Live)

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya

Leader of the Democratic Opposition of Belarus